F-104 Pilot gallery

(LtCol ret.) Harold flew the F104C at George Air Force Base, California, DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam, Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand. He flew he 104 from February 1965 to January 1967. He was the first pilot in the USAF to fly 100 combat missions over North Vietnam in the F104 Starfighter. Lateron he flew the F104G at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, from January 1967 to January 1970.Retired from USAF in 1982 from Nellis AFB, Nevada after commanding 65th Aggressor Squadron (F5E). Currently living in Salt Lake City, Utah

Andrea Arena has flown the F-104S Starfighter from 1994 to 2002, logging a little above 1000 hours. He was based at Trapani AFB in Sicily, Italy, with the 18th Squadron in the Air Defence role. From 2003 to 2006 he became one of the four pilots leading the national transition from the Starfighter to the F-16 (gap-filler before the Eurofighter). Andrea resigned in 2006 to become an airline pilot.

(Lt.Col. ret.) Once combat ready on F-86 K “All Weather Fighter” Armando qualified on the F-104 and joined the 9th Squadron of the 4th Wing Italian Air Force (Air Defense Role). Four years later he was selected as instructor pilot at 20° Gruppo A.O. (Operational Training Squadron) where he served until 1976, when he resigned from the Air Force having flown 1500 fh on the F-104 (November 1968 and May 1976) and a total of 2000+ on fighter planes.

Bob Arr flew F-86D&Ls at McGhee Tyson Air Base, Knoxville, TN (Tennessee Air National Guard), beginning in 1954. In 1960, they transitioned into F-104A&Bs. In 1961 President Kennedy activated all three ANG F-104 units and sent them to Europe for the Berlin Crisis. Nine months later the crisis dissipated and Bob and colleagues came back home. In October 1962, the Cuban Missile Crisis erupted and USAF suddenly decided they needed F-104 units in south Florida. Bob and his squadron were tasked to check out a bunch of USAF pilots to make up a new active duty F-104 squadron. By March 1963, the task was finished, and the Starfighters were flown to Florida, finishing the glorious ANG F-104 chapter. It only lasted two years and ten months. Bob logged a total of 381:05 F-104 hours. They were the greatest flying experience of his life. When he retired in 1985, he had been Commander of the 151st FIS for 27 years.

Atze “Liner” Atsma flew the F-104G with 312 squadron at Voikel Air Base from around 1974 till 1980. After that he converted to the F-16 flying with TCA, 323 squadron, 311 squadron and finally 306 squadron.

Marco flew the F-104 for almost 1990 flying hours starting from April 1982 until June 1993, with 5 Stormo, 102 Gruppo at Rimini. Then he started the transition to Pa200 Tornado in Ghedi Afb, Italy. He flew the F-104S in both strike and conventional roles.

Hugh got his CF-104 training with F/O 6 ST/R OTU course 8 in September 1963 / Then after spending just over two years on staff at Cold Lake, in January 1966 he was transferred to 421 Strike/Attack Squadron based at Baden Solingen, West Germany. (# 4 Wing). His last flight on the Starfighter was on May 13, 1970 flying #663. He spent three years with 421 squadron and a fourth year as Safety Officer and Deputy Wing Test Pilot and totaled out with 1182 hours on the bird. After the CF-104 period he went to the National HQ on a staff job and later on he was also an instructor flying the Tutor jet trainer.

(General Ret.) Richard “Dick” Baughn checked out in the F-104A and B at Edwards AFB in January 1958. Later flew the F-104C and D at George AFB with the 479th Wing in 1958-60. (When the 479th Tactical Fighter Wing at George Air Force Base converted from F-100 to F-104 aircraft, General Baughn served as assistant director of operations). He attended the Armed Forces Staff College, Norfolk, Va., from January 1960 to July 1960.
Checked out in F-105 at Nellis AFB in 1961 and flew it until 1967, when started flying the F-4, followed by the F-111 and A-6. He is a command pilot with more than 7,000 flying hours, including 5,000 in jet fighter aircraft. He has flown the F-51; F-47; F-80; F-84B, F, and G; F-86E and F; F-100; F-104; F-105; F-4, A-6; F-111; FB-111; KC-135; Meteor; Hawker Hunter and Lightning.

Zafer Bayram flew with 3 AJU Konya (200hours on F-100), and with the F-104 at 4AJU Murted (142 Filo) and also 9AJU (192 and 193 Filo) at Balikesir. With 193 Filo he flew as instructor pilot. On the Starfighter 8058 his rank and name “UTGM. BAYRAM” was applied when he flew it at Balikesir as “9-058”. He logged a total of 1200hours on the F-104 Starfighter.

Francis flew the F-104 at test pilot school, class 65-A. He got to zoom one to 85,000 ft (with pressure suit), burner quit at 65,000 ft, engine quit at 75,000 ft, coasted to 85,000 ft. During his school he got to do some interesting L/D approaches. Dirty L/D started at 12,000 ft, throttle idle, gear down, full flaps and speed brakes, dive at max gear speed and pull up in time for a greaser. Most of his time was in F-100 and F-4 (156 combat missions, Udorn, Thailand, 1969). He lives in Sparks NV. The photo shows him serving with the ARPS in 1965.

Dick flew the F104A with the Arizona ANG in 1960. He and his squadron were activated and deployed to Ramstein AB Germany in 1961. In addition to the Guard he had a 32 year airline career, retiring as a B747 captain with Northwest Airlines.

After Italian Air ForceAcademy and flight schools Alberto Biagetti was assigned to attempt the F104 Flight Course.
After that, he was assigned to 5th Wing – 102nd Squadron Fighter Bomber Dual Capability at Rimini AB.
He has been flying there from 1978 up to 1991, totalizing over 2000 hours flight time in the Starfighter.
On March 18th, 1986 he encountered a flying accident (flame out) forcing him to bail out successfully.

Flew the F-104 from 1986-1993, 7 years, totaly flight time 1385.00. Models TF/F-104 G as a fighter and as instructor pilot.
Now he is flying with B-777/300 ER in Turkısh Air Line.

Luciano entered the Italian Air Force in 1971, jet only training 13 months on MB 326, about 120 missions 130 hours basic training (8 months) on G91 T, about 90 missions 100 hours advanced training (45 days) on G 91 T at Decimomannu Sardinia range shooting & bombing training, 20 days ground course on F 104 G and 5 months on TF 104 G, about 45 missions 45 hours Starfighter transition between 11th and 13th mission, solo flight with chase, 15 days ground course on F 104 S.
And 5 months 80 missions full Combat Ready AWX just in time for Christmas week alerts.
On 6 October 1976 he made a succesfull ejection from F-104S MM6728 which crashed into the sea off coast Carbonifera, Livorno after an hydraulic failure.

Rob received his wings in February 1968. At July 19th, 1968 he completed his conversion course at the F-84F at 315 sq. at Eindhoven Airbase. He was transferred to 314 sq. (Eindhoven) and flew approx. 450 hrs at the F-84F before he was transferred to 323 Sq. at Leeuwarden to fly the F-104G Starfighter on March 17th. 1970. He flew approx. 900 hrs at the Starfighter with 323sq and became a weapon instructor and flight commander. He left the RNAF on June 19th, 1974.

Franco was in the USAF pilotschool class 55D and became the first Italian F-104 pilot.
He was one of the first non-American pilots that has flown the F-104 which happened at Edwards AFB on 19 August 1959.
In 1961-62 he flew with the first four German F-104Gs still at Edwards AFB in the “F-104G Joint Test Force” along with Heinz Birkenbeil and Erhard Goedert.
Franco did the Italian Air Force acceptance flights of the first Italian F-104G MM6501 (9998) in the USA on March 3rd, 1962 and lateron also in Italy on September 29th, 1962.
Order Of Starfighters # 921

Adriano flew the F104G from 1976 to August 1980, first with 18 Gruppo and lateron 132 Gruppo both at Verona-Villafranca Air Force Base. After that he went to Air Italia as civil pilot.
In total he flew 650hours on the F-104G including trips to the airbases Volkel, Bruggen, Ramstein and Eindhoven.

Adriaan Brouwer flew the F-104G Starfighter with 323 squadron and 322 squadron at Leeuwarden between July 1970 and 1980. Then he converted to the F-16.

Lt Col (Ret) CAF, captained 7 aircraft types but had only one 4-year tour on the CF 104 at Baden Sollingen with 421 Squadron from 1976 to 1979 inclusive.

Jeffrey’s father (Charles C Carr) also flew the F-104. He flew the F-104C with the 435th TFS at George AFB CA, early 1966, and deployed with the squadron to Udorn, Thailand for his 100 missions over North VietNam.
Jeffrey flew the TF-104G and F-104G in the 69th TFTS at Luke AFB from 1978-1981 as an IP in the GAF program.
He also flew the F-104S from 1985-1988 while assigned to the Allied Air Forces Southern Europe Tactical Evaluation team, chasing Italian AF and Turkish AF pilots around their countries. (Lt Col retired).
Order Of Starfighters # 6232

Georges Castermans (Col. Ret) graduated class USAF 52-C and was member ofthe F-104 office at BAF HQ from 1961 to 1963.
He started flying the F-104 at Nörvenich (Germany) from March 1963 and became solo on 17 March 1963.
From that moment he flew F-104’s from 1963 to 1977 as Test Pilot, Sqn Comdr, Flying Group Comdr and visitor pilot at Beauvechain 1st Wing Awx.
On July 16th, 1963 he ejected from F-104G FX-08 due to BLC duct failure and subsequent problems. It was the first BAF F-104 crash.
He stated that The One-O-Four remains his best souvenir in a 30 year Air Force Career (1951 to 1980) and total F-104 hours is 775hrs.

Flew the F-104 Starfighter within the Belgium Air Force from May 1980 till August 1983, as member of the 31 ‘Tiger’ Squadron at Kleine-Brogel (EBBL) Airbase, Belgium.
Total Starfighter flying time = 488 hours. Order Of Starfighters # 6572

Piercarlo flew the F-104 within the AMI (at least at Grazzanise 10 Gruppo) until 2004 when he was converted to the F-16 ADF.

David “Lion” Clardy served at least 479th TFW, 435th TFS in February 1965 (as Major).
Lateron he became instructor pilot at Luke AFB.
He ejected safely from F-104G from F-104G 67-14891 on 25 March 1969 when he crashed at Luke AFB, Arizona.
It was caused by asymmetrical flaps. He retired at Lt Col.
Order Of Starfighters # 308

Vito was the last combat ready F104S-ASA pilot at 36th Stormo, Gioia del Colle. He flew the F-104 from 1993 to 1995 and finished with 250 flying hours. Lateron he transferred to the Tornado followed by the Eurofighter.

Frank is an ex Italian Air Force pilot from 1981 till 1999. He flew the F-104 S/ASA from 1987 to 1995 at the 22nd Squadron in Istrana and reached a total of 1000 hours on the F-104.

Wolfgang was Luftwaffe Flt. Instructor and check pilot from 1964 to 1970 at Waffenschule 10 at Jever Air Base. Joined Lockheed in 1970 for the CL-1200 project.
From 1988 till today test – and air show demo pilot in civilian F-104, now deputy chief pilot for “Starfighters Aerospace” at Kennedy Space Center.

Erik flew the F-104G in Bodo AFB from 1967 till January 1973.
After that he served 30 years within SAS flying DC9, DC10 and B767.
Order Of Starfighters # 3567

Atilla Dalkılıç flew the F-104G between 1989 and 1991 as 1st Lt within 161 and 162 Filo at Bandirma Air Base and later with 192 Filo at Balikesir.

Keith checked out in the F-104C/D at George AFB California in August, 1961 as 1st Lt.
He flew the Starfighter with the 479th TFW, 435th, 434th and 476th Sqdns for over four years, attaining over 1000 hours in the aircraft, including 44 combat missions in Viet Nam with 476TFS (Da Nang in April 1965).
He also was involved during the Berlin crisis in September 1961 (Germany) and the Cuban crisis in 1962.
On 6 January 1964 he and his squadron flew non-stop from George AFB to Moron AB Spain with six air to air refuelings.
Keith survived an accident with F-104C 56-896 which crashed. He ejected safely.
He believed it was an extraordinary career with the F-104 and it was a great experience.
After the Air Force he continued flying as pilot with American Airlines.

George flew the 104A and F-104B model from 1958 till 1962 with the 83rd FIS at Hamilton Air Base and the 331st FIS at Webb AFB.
In total he logged 1200 hours..
Order Of Starfighters # 234

Started on F-104 in August 1969 (OCU Leeuwarden). Volkel 311 Sqn 1970 – 1982. Volkel 312 Sqn 1982 – 1984. Last flight 21 November 1984 (UFO, official F-104 farewell in RNLAF). My total F-104 flight time 2222 hrs.

LCol (Ret’d) Dan Dempsey flew the CF-104 from 10 November 1982 to 3 April 1986, including on Canada’s last two Starfighter squadrons in Europe, 439 and 441 Tac (F) Sqns based at CFB Baden Soellingen, West Germany.

In 1993, having graduated from ENJJPT in Wichita Falls with class 93-06, Ten. Lorenzo De Stefano trained on TF-104, 4° Stormo – 20° Gruppo, and then joined the 9° Gruppo belonging to the same Stormo, but employed on the single seater. In 1998 he graduated as Test Pilot; he was then employed at RSV – Pratica di Mare being able, among other programs, to continue his activity on the F-104 until the airplane’s last flights before grounding. He totalized around 800 flight hours on the Starfighter.

Colonel Doukellis flew the F-104G with 336 Squadron in 116 CW, Araxos Air Base, Greece, as his first and beloved fighter aircraft. Back in 1990, he accumulated just only 200 hours before start flying F-16, but quite enough to embody him with unforgettable memories and a still alive engine sound hearing! Besides his marvelous instructors, he really feels thankful for Starfighter as a real aviator creator. In 2000 he graduated from the Empire Test Pilot School, UK and today besides his other duties, he is the HAF chief test pilot.

Norvin is a former F-104 pilot having flown all models (except the rocket model).
He spent the years from 1956 through 1965 flying 400 hours in the “Missile with a man in it”.
As Flight Test Operations Chief on the International Test Force at Edwards AFB, California he flew with German, Dutch, Belgium, Italian and Canadian pilots as well as Japanese pilots who were flying from the Lockheed facility at Palmdale, California.
He was the last pilot to successfully eject using the downward ejection seat.
Lateron he was the USAF’s test pilot on the F-104G Category I, II and III. (project).
Order Of Starfighters # 31

François Exelmans started his career in the Belgian Air Force on January 2nd, 1961. Promotion 146 wings 1962. He flew SV4-B , Fouga Magister, Lockheed T-33A Shooting Star, Republic F84-F Thunderstreak before he converted to the F-104G via a ground course starting May 17th, 1965 at Twenthe Air Base, Netherlands.
He got flying training at Becauvechain and flew the Starfighter operationa with 23 Squadron (10th Wing) at Kleine Brogel Air Base. Total number of flight hours 1008 of which 232 hours and 35 minutes on the F-104. Olt vl. Frans (Francois) Exelmans was sadly killed when his FX63 crashed 11 October 1966. He sacrificed his own life and saved hundreds by ultimately avoiding a crash into a factory.

M/Sgt Guido Fantoni flew the F-104G with 9 Gruppo at Grosseto in the sixties. He was one of the first 15 pilots in the Italian Air Force flying the Starfighter. In total he achieved around 700 hours on the aircraft.

Antonio flew the F-104 from 1984 till 1996 starting with the 18th gruppo in Trapani-Birgi (37th Stormo).
Lateron he spent the last 8 years as instructor pilot of the 20th gruppo at Grosseto Air Base (4th Stormo).
Currently he is flying the Boeing 767 as captain. Toni flew a total of 3005 hours on F104.

Dick Francis flew the F-104A while being a member of the Tennessee Air National Guard (151st FiS) between 1960 and 1963 with nearly 1000 hours in the bird and participated during the Berlin Crisis activation to Germany. He currently lives in Florida.

Julio flew F-104C within the PR ANG (198th TFS) at Muniz AFB and logged over 1000 F-104 hours.

(LtCol Ret.) He was an F-104G instructor at Luke AFB Arizona, 1964-1966.

Ferry “Murdock” van der Geest converted from the NF-5 (300hrs) to the Starfighter in 1982 and flew the RF-104G (with Orpheus pod) with 306 squadron, based at Volkel Air Base from November 1982 till transfer to the F-16 in 1983. In total he flew only 400 hours on the 104 of which most hours on the RF, 40 hours on the TF-104G and a few hours on loaned F-104G Starfighters from 311 and 312 squadron, also based at Volkel AB.

Frans van Giersbergen started flying the F-104 within the CAV at Volkel AFB in August 1980 and was operational Starfighter pilot with 306 squadron at Volkel Air Base only until it replaced its Starfighters. He continued flying the F-16 till 1988 and moved to Civil Aviation flying all Boeing (B747, B737, B767 and finally B777) within the KLM until he retired.

Jean Pierre flew as a fighter pilot with the Belgian Air Force From 1961 till end of 1970 when he left the Air Force to start an airline pilot carreer.
During his Belgium Air Force career he flew the F104G from 1966 till end of 1970 with the 350 SQN at Beauvechain Air Base.

Mike flew as instructor at Luke AFB for 4 years (1973-1977) for the German Training program. Currently belonging to the Veterans Memorial Air Park in Fort Worth, Texas, that is acquiring military aircraft and restoring them for ground display. He is interested in trying to get an F-104 into that collection. The profile photo shows Mike after he made his last F-104 flight.

Dave flew F-104C/D within the TAC 479TFW (436 and 476TFS) at George AFB from 1960 till 1963 and operated at Key West AFB, Florida during the Cuban Crisis in 1962 (with 476thTFS). He went to the AF test pilot school at Edwards AFB in 1966 and 1967 (F-104A/B), and was an AF Academy Graduate. Once he took a 104A to slightly over 92,000 feet in the ARPS zoom program. He was deployed to Ramstein during the wall crisis, to Boca Chica for the Cuban crisis and flew across the Atlantic to Hahn AB on a 4 month deployment. Got out of the AF and started his own business.

After having flown the F-84F Thunderstreak, Hub flew the RF-104G with the 306 squadron based at Twenthe Air Base from 1963-1966. Lateron he became civil pilot flying with DHL on the B-727, B-747 en A-310.

Jean GUILLOT-PINGUE, who was a fighter pilot with the Belgian Air Force from 1952 till 1978. He flew more than 300 hours inside the F-104 Starfighter from 1965 till 1968 with 349 squadron (1st Wing) based at Beauvechain. Sadly he passed away in 2011.

Captain retired. Flew the F-104 with the Canadian Air Force from 1976 to 1982.
During that time he was stationed in Baden-Sollingen, Germany with 421 Squadron.
Ralph has two mach-2 pins, one from Lockheed (black) and one from Canadair (silver).
Order Of Starfighters # 6074

Captain Clifford John (Hank) HENRY was one of the initial instructors trained in the US for Canada on the F-104. The first 104s came to Canada in 1961 and Hank instructed on them until 1970. He flew them all over North America as well as Europe from 1965 to 1968. He loved the Starfighter or ‘zipper’ and never called it “the widowmaker”. He had three mishaps I know of with 104s: one blew up on the end of the runway at Cold Lake, he walked away from that one, one lost the main wheels on takeoff and he landed that one on the main gear struts and nose wheel. They jacked the aircraft up, put new undercarriage under it and Hank flew it next day and certified it for operational use. He was one of the Operational Testing Unit’s main pilots. The next 104 lost all hydraulics shortly after takeoff at Cold Lake so Hank flew it until it was down on fuel then landed it using the electrically activated trim panel. Probably the first video game pilot too! Hank also served in Europe with NATO in the 50s and 60s on Canadair Sabres where he won the Guynemer Trophy. He now lives comfortably in Vancouver, Canada.

Kræn Jensen Vanggaard Hjortlund “KEJ” flew the F-104 Starfighter within the Royal Danish Air Force 726Esk at Aalborg Air Base from 1972 till 1981, in total 1700 flying hours.

Fraser flew the CF-104 for a total of 1604 hours, mostly from Baden-Soellingen in Germany.
His first tour was with 439 squadron, 1969-1974 in the recce role using a Vicon photo pod.
His second tour was with 421 squadron, 1978-82 in the ground attack role.
He flew as a Captain, Major and Lieutenant-Colonel in the Canadian Forces (ex-RCAF).
Order Of Starfighters # 6285

Pierre flew with Belgian Air Force 349 Squadron, with the 1st Wing based at Beauvechain AB.
He flew the F-104G Starfighter from 1978 till 1980 before converting to the F-16.
Order Of Starfighters # 6248

Wolfgang flew the F-104G since his checkout flight was as Luke Air Force Base on 14 July 1969. He joined JG71 at Wittmundhafen and flew the F-104G till early 1974. Then he continued flying the F-4F Phantom. A career as weapons officer and instructor pilot started thereafter.

Beer graduated in April 1974 in CFB Cold lake on the T-33. After a brief period of 500 hrs attack operations on the NF-5 at 316 Sq, he spent the majority of his career from 1976-1984 on the F-104G and then till 1990 on the F-16, mainly AWX DUC operations at 312 Sq, both types 1500+ hrs. During this period, he became a weapon instructor and flight commander. In 1990, he was transferred to Twenthe F-16 Airbase as dep. Chief Flight Ops. After the Deny Flight campaign in Bosnia, he became Captain KDC-10 until his retirement.

Bo H. Johansen flew the F104 in Royal Danish Air Force, 723 squadron from August 1972 to January 1978. On 13 June 1975 he ejected from TF-104G RT-681 together with Jørgen Stentoft after encountering an engine failure. Both were safe. In total Bo flew 1034 hours in the F-104.

Terje served as pilot at the Norwegian 331 sqdn, based at Bodo AB, from 1971-1978. He has been Flight commander, test pilot and weapons instructor. Terje left the AF late 1978 as a Captain and accumulated some 1400 hrs in the F-104.

GAF Class 67H at Luke AFB, graduated 1967, assigned to GAF JaboG 32/2 until 1972, total F-104G: 980 hrs.
Lateron Captain on DC-8, DC-10, A-320 and other a/c.Retired from commercial flying 2001. Grand total: 14.500 hrs (Photo taken at Luke in 1967)

Birger Kagan flew both the F-104G and CF-104 Starfighter with the Danish Air Force Squadron 726 at Aalborg Air Base from 1972 till 1976 (total 331:45 flying hours). After that he flew S-61 rescue helicopter from 1976 till 1989. After he retired from the Air Force he held a number of positions related to aviation including the CAA and AAIB of Denmark.

James Kelly is a former pilot and instructor pilot CF-104, Canadian Forces and NATO. EX: 421 Red Indian Squadron. CFB BADEN SOELLINGEN from 1979 TO 1982 / 417 SQN CF-104 OTU. COLD LAKE, CANADA from 1983 TO 1984.

Atilla was born in 1953 in Turkey,entered Turkish Air Force Academy in 1970 to 1973 gratuated as a lieutenant.
Completed military flying school in 1974 and got one year combat training then as fighter jet pilot 1975-1978 flew F100D Super Sabre in 171 th Squadron at Erhac Air Force Base , Malatya, Turkey. In 1978 posted to 142th Squadron to fly F-104S at Murted Air Force Base in Ankara,Turkey.1981-1987 flew as instructor pilot in F104 pilot training squadron named Falcon,at Murted.
He flew 1800 hours in various models of Starfighter. Left Air Force in Aug, 1987. In 1988 he started a career as Air Lines pilot (Turkish Airlines and Quatar Airways.

After basic training from june 1950, Kees finally flew the F-84G Thunderjet in various squadrons, later on he flew various aircraft including the F-86K (701sq), T-33 (Also member of the Wiskey4 team), Hawker Hunter, and finally in June 1965 he was converted to the F-104. He flew the Starfighter with 323sq from June 1965 till August 1978 in a lot of different specific roles including Demonstration pilot. He was respected for his skilled and stunning demonstrations by everyone. Later on he became instructor within the Air Force and his final flight was with an F-16B from Leeuwarden Air Base in October 1987. In total Kees has flown 3400 sorties with F-104s in his life.

Fabio flew the F-104 Starfighter from february 1982 till october 1994. First he served 22 Gruppo (51 Stormo) in the interceptor role. Then he became Instructor Pilot with 20 Gruppo at Grosseto from 23 september 1988 till 31 august 1994. From 31 august 1993 till 31 august 1994 he was also commander of 20 Gruppo. Total Flight time on the F-104 is 2560 hours.

Bob “Flower” Lilac checked out at George Air Force base in 1965 by Tom Delashaw, flew two tours in Vietnam , Danang and Udorn, with 100 missions over North Vietnam.
Flew as an IP in the F-104G, at Luke AFB in 1967, then flew at Edwards AFB in 1968 and flew the Rocket NF-104A to 101,830.
He flew the Starfighter only from 1965-1968 and had 620 hours in various models (A,C,D, G, TF-104G and the rocket NF-104A).
Order Of Starfighters # 2608

As Major General (USAF retired) Orlando was a pilot with the 198th Tactical Fighter Sq. Joined the PR ANG after active duty, flew F-86D,E and H before the F-104’s that arrived from Thailand. Promoted to Maj Gen as the first Air Force officer to be selected as Adjutant General of the Puerto Rico National Guard. Orlando logged over 600 hours on the Starfighter.

Robert flew to Florida for his check out in the F-104 in the early 1960’s and immediately fell in love with her. He flew with the 479TFW at George Air Force base and was deployed to Torrejon early 60s. Later he was stationed at Webb AFB in Big Springs Texas with the 331st FIS. During this time he participated in the sonic boom testing that was conducted in the midwest. He was deployed to Vietnam in other aircraft type . After that he was stationed at CCK AFB in Taichung, Taiwan as the Military Advisor to the Chinese AF F-104 Squadron 1966-1968.

Han flew the F-104G with the Royal Netherlands Air Force 323 squadron, based at Leeuwarden, from 1972 till 1977. This squadron flew the Starfighter in an air defense role. In total he reached 665 flying hours on the F-104.

Norm flew the CF-104 Starfighter with the RCAF (Royal Canadian Air Force) from February 1966 to November 1969.
He flew with 427 Squadron from June 1966 in Zweibrucken, Germany until that base was closed.
427 Squadron moved to Baden Soellingen, Germany in June 1969 until it was disbanded as a 104 Squadron on 1 July 1970.

Stergiou Makis has flown 2.336 hours in the F-104 without any decisive problems. After graduation (Sept 1968), he was assigned to F-5A/B a/c at 111 CW, After that he served as an instructor at the Air Force Academy at Kalamata AF Base. From Sept 1972 till July 1986 he was assigned to 336 Strike Squadron at Araxos AFB flying the F-104G. Later he became an instructor, Ops officer and 336 Commander. He retired as Major General. His nickname was “Daskalos” which means teacher in Greek language.

Fons, member of the silver spurs is a former 104 pilot of the Belgian Air Force, 349 squadron at Beauvechain Air Base. He flew a total of 928 hrs on the F-104G from 1974 till 1979.

James (Jim) flew the CF-104 Starfighter with 441 Squadron at Baden from 1973 till 1978, and continued with 417 Squadron at Cold Lake from 1978 till 1980. He flew a total of 1170 hours on the CF-104 before he was being posted to other duties. The profile picture was taken while posted to 441 Squadron in Baden.

Allen flew with the 319th FiS at Homestead AFB in the period from 1966 tlll 1967

Don flew the CF-104 Starfighter with the RCAF 421 squadron between 1963 and 1965.

Chris went through the Canadian 104 OTU in Cold Lake in the winter of 1968-69, right after initial pilot training.
He was posted to 430 Squadron in Lahr Germany from August 1969 to September 1970.
The Canadian government reduced the number of 104 squadrons in Germany that summer and Chris was posted back to Cold Lake to fly the CF-5.
He has about 280 hrs on the 104. But the 104 is definitely his favourite airplane.
Chris is currently a member of the Canadian Starfighter Museum in St. Andrews.

Johan received his wings in the USAF 16 May 1980 at Reese AFB Lubbock, Texas. He flew the F-104 Starfighter in the Belgium Air Force from July 1980 till Nov 1982, as member of the 31 ‘Tiger’ Squadron at Kleine-Brogel (EBBL) Airbase, Belgium. Total Starfighter flying time = 400 hours. Order Of Starfighters # 6576. He started conversion to F-16 in Dec 1982 in 31 Squadron at Kleine Brogel and did his last flight on F-16 in Dec 1992. He retired in 2000.

Flew F-104A/B’s as a member of the 319th FIS at Homestead AFB from July 1967 to August 1968.
He commanded 319th Fighter Squadron from July 1968 to August 1968.
He flew F-104 A/B aircraft with -3 engines upgraded to -19 engines.
See also his website about his life at: http://www.meyler.com/walt/index.html
Order Of Starfighters # 3595

George Mitsainas joined the Hellenic Air Force in September 1958 as Air Cadet and retired on March 1987 as Major General. He flew T-6A Harvard, T-33 Shooting Star, F-86D Sabre Dog, F-104G, Noratlas, CL-215 and C-47 having around 6.200 flying hours. He also participated in the squadron exchange between 336mira and 422sq (RCAF) in 1970.

Erik Reed Mohn was an F-104G pilot with the RNorAF and he flew for the 331SQN in Bodø Air Base from April 1974 to November 1979 and flew the G model only. After retiring from the Air Force Erik flew with SAS for more than 32 years, flying, DC-9, DC-8, MD-80, B-737, A-330 and A-340. On age 62 he transferred to Air Atlanta Icelandic where he flew B744, A-340 and A-330 for Air Atlanta Iceland until he retired at age 65 in 2014.

Mario (LtCol ret.) enlisted in the Italian Air Force on October 27th 1967 and on 7 January 1970 graduated as 1st LieuTenent Pilot. Send to flying school at Lecce AB, graduated as pilot on trainer MB326. Then sent to Advanced Fighter school at Foggia AB, graduated as military pilot on G-91T trainer in 1971. Sent to F-104G conversion unit at Grosseto AB, graduated as fighter-bomber pilot on F-104G. August 30th 1972, assigned to 102nd Squadron at 5th Stormo, Rimini Airbase. Qualified Combat ready pilot in 1973 and in 1981 became 102nd Squadron Commander having flown more than 1500 hours on F-104 and more then 2500 total flying hours. Retired from Airforce in 1986.

Wally “Nemo” Niemi flew the CF-104 Starfighter from 1982 till 1986 at Sollingen Air Base with 421 squadron. He logged a total of 1005 hours on the Starfighter. He transferred later to the CF-18 Hornet. Sadly on January 11th, 1989 he lost his life in a tragic accident with his CF-18 Hornet at CFB Cold Lake Alberta. At this moment the family is arranging a memorial statute (Starfighter Wing)in Wally’s home town of Birsay, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Lt Niestadt started flying the F-84F from 1963 as 19 years old pilot, (315 and 314sq). He moved to the F-104 in 1966 with a first flight on 3 August 1966 with TDM at Twenthe AB. His operational career was with 311sq where he flew for the first time on 1 December 1966 and last flight was on September 19th, 1969 (see photo). In total he booked 710 F-104 flying hours. After this he left the Air Force and became civilian pilot with the KLM retiring as B747-400 captain. Currently he lives in France.

After receiving his wings in 1966, Guus flew the F-84F with 315 and 314sq and then moved to the F-104. He flew the F-104G Starfighter from June 1967 till October 1981 with 323 and 322sq both at Leeuwarden AB. He achieved a total of almost 2000 flying hours on the F-104.

Christos Nikolopoulos was assigned to 336 Squadron, 116 CW at Araxos Air Base, Greece. He flew F/TF-104G as fighter pilot and flight instructor from 1982 till 1993 and logged 2251 flying time hours.

Maurizio Noè is a former Lt. Col. of Italian Air Force: after the Academy he flew the Starfighter from 1985 to 1988 with the 132 Sqn and from 1991 to 1992 with the 28 Sqn. In the meantime he had been a MB339 instructor with the 212 Sqn 61 Wing. From 1993 to 1997 he flew the AMX until the position of Sqn Commander. Than he left the Air Force for Alitalia Express until 2008 and actually he is flying the B737 with NEOS, a charter company, still in Verona Villafranca airport.

Adolf “Adi” Obersteller flew the F-104 from 1966 till 1982.
Most of his flying the104 was with 321 Sqdn (Fighter Bomber Wing 32) or Jagd Bomber Geschwader 32 at Lechfeld Air Base.
Order Of Starfighters # 3375

Sven flew the CF-104 with the Royal Norwegian Air Force 334 squadron at Bodo Air Base from 1974 until fall 1978, when he joined SAS (Scandinavian Airlines Systems) and flew the DC8, DC9, MD80, MD90, Airbus A330 and Airbus A340 for 30 years. Sven was also attached to the Norwegian AF Reserves for 15 years, flying the F-104 and the F-16. Presently a member of the Norwegian “Starfighterens Venner”.

Boris flew the F 104 C & D with the Puerto Rico Air National Guard finishing a total 945 hrs. Flew with the US Marine Corps F-9f, F9-Couar, Flew with Airlines with a total hours of over 20,000. Flew the F-86 Fury, T-33, DC-3, DC-4, Boeing 727, 757, 767, A300, CV 240, 340, 440.

Darryl was at CFB Cold Lake in 1977 as a Second Lieutenant (2Lt) starting his flying career with the 417 Tactical Fighter Squadron, which was the Operational Training Unit (OTU) for all CF104 pilots. The photo shows Darryl inside the CF-104 104744 during spring 1977 at Cold Lake.
Order Of Starfighters # 6666

Gilberto Paladin started his operational F-104 career late 1965 (training) and flew with Italian Air Force 9 Gruppo at Grosseto Air Base from early 1966 till 1968 (total around 500 hours). After that he moved to Alitalia to fly Commercial aircraft (DC-8, DC-9, DC-10 and B-747) until his retirement.

Gary flew with the 538th FiS at Larson AFB (1959-1960). Then worked with the Chinese Nationalists for 6 months getting their instructor cadre checked out. He flew the zipper once more with the 319th FiS at Homestead AFB from 1963-1966. Gary was the first pilot to get 1000 hours in the A’s and B’s.
Order Of Starfighters # 541

Hubert graduated with F-104 Class 69-C, 4512 CCTS 4510 CCTW, Luke AFB, Arizona in October 1968 and after training with WS10 at Jever in 1969 he flew the F-104G with the JBG36 at Hopsten AB until February 1975. With a total of 1132 Starfighter flying hours he was transferred to the F-4F. He flew the F-4 until March 1987 and started commercial flying in 1988. He retired in June 2003 and is managing a wonderful website about the Germany Starfighter History today : http://www.916starfighter.de
Order Of Starfighters # 3815

Fabio joined the Air Force Academy in 1970 where I graduated as 2nd Lieutenant in 1973, earning a degree in Aeronautical Sciences awarded and also in Political Sciences. As a combat pilot, he served as a F104S interceptor pilot with 4th Wing 9th Squadron from 1975 to 1979 . From 1980 to 1983 he was Instructor pilot on G91T with Amendola Advanced Jet School. After completing the Air War College, in 1984 he assumed Starfighter duties as the Commander of the 22nd Squadron , then Chief of Operations Staff of the 51st Wing in Istrana A.B. Fabio left the Air Force in 1986 with the rank of Lt.Colonel and 2500 hours on jet (about 2000 on F104TF/S/ASA). He started a civil aviation experience in the Alitalia holding. Pilot then First Officer on MD80 . Captain from 1994 on MD 80/82/83 and from 2000 to 2002 as TRI on MD80. In 2002 he was T.R. on Airbus A320 family and Line Trainer until 2005. He retired from 2012.
Order Of Starfighters # 6795

Gordon flew the CF-104 in the nuclear strike role with RCAF Sqn 422 (4th Wing) at Baden Sollingen from 1964-1966.

Guy was checked out on the (T)F-104G and RF-104G with CAV at Volkel AB late 1973. He received solo-check by Fred Vogt. From January 1974 till the summer of 1975 he flew the RF-104G with 306sq. His first RF-104G flight was with D-8129 on January 9th, 1974. From the summer of 1975 till January 1976 he flew the (T)F-104G Starfighter with TCA at Leeuwarden AFB. From January 1976 till November 1979 he flew the F-104G interceptor with 323 squadron at Leeuwarden AFB. When the F-16 was introduced to Leeuwarden AFB, Guy moved back to Volkel AB to fly the (T)F-104G again with CAV where he flew from January 1981 till February 1981. His grand total flight time on the (R)(T)F-104G is 1400 hours. After his retirement from the military he moved into Civil Aviation, flying the B-737 in all variations for 25 years. He presently is Captain on the B747-400 and lives in Melbourne, Australia.

Dick flew the F-104 within 306, 312 squadrons and CAV between 1973 and 1983, all based at Volkel Air Base. He served as Commanding Officer and Chief Instructor Pilot of the RNLAF Starfighter OCU (called ‘CAV’) and as Commander of 306 Squadron. He served and instructed in Ground Attack, Strike and Recce roles, accumulating almost 2000 hrs F-104 with 1969.7 hrs. His last flight in an F-104 was 21 Sep 1983 as Commander 306 Sq in RF-104G D-8293, after which he continued as Commander 306 Sq, but now flying the F-16,. He later became Wing Commander Flying at Leeuwarden Air Base and held several positions within the NATO Command Structure. He retired as LtCol RNLAF with over 3500 hrs total flying hrs. spread over various other types such as T-33, NF-5, Fouga CM.170, F-18, A-7, MIG-29, Hunter, EE Lightning, MB.336 and more.’

Canadian Air Force. Flew the CF-104 from Feb 1981 to Dec 1985 as a member of 439 “Tiger” Squadron at Baden-Soellingen. Also flew the CF-18, CF-5 T-33, etc., over a 36 year career in the CAF. He once flew a CF-104 to Mach 2.05 on 17 Feb 81 and, much more exciting, flew to 750 KCAS at Decimomannu on 28 Jun 82 on a test flight of the new ACMRI pods.

Roberto flew the TF-104G at 20th Sqn, Grosseto AB in 1980, F/RF-104G at 28th Sqn 3rd Wing, Villafranca AB in 1981, and F-104S at 155th Sqn 51st Wing, Istrana AB in 1981-1982.

Joseph D. “Joe” Renick flew the F-104A with the 319th FIS at Homestead AFB from 1965 till 1969 and also flew the J79-GE19 powered version. Joe met Tony Levier one day at Kirtland AFB when he was passing through on the way back to Homestead from the west coast. Tony was in the back seat of a T-38 getting ready to depart and Joe had just pulled in next to him. Tony sent a crew chief over to get Joe after he shut down. Joe and Tony had a great discussion…mainly about how the F-104 flew with the -19. Joe is Lt. Colonel (Ret.) Order Of Starfighters # 2489

David flew the CF-104 Starfighter with 441st Tactical Fighter Squadron at Baden Soellingen from 1978 until 1981.
Order Of Starfighters # 6145

Harald Riedel his 104 career started in 1971 with the training at Luke AFB followed by a three month course at Jever. Then he flew 3 years with 2nd Staffel Jagdbomergeschwader 33 (2. / JaboG 33), Büchel. Then he became IP at the Waffenschule 10 der Luftwaffe (WaSLw 10). In summer 1979 he started a 4 years assignment to 417 Sqn at CFB Cold Lake as an Exchange Officer. On 24 June 1980 he survived an accident with CF-104D 104651 as a rear seater, which crashed some 112 NM north of Cold Lake. In total Harald Riedel flew 2620 hours inside the F-104 Starfighter.

Next to the F-100 Super Sabre Edward also flew the F-104C as a 1/Lt and Capt when assigned to the 479th TFW, 476th and 436th TFSs at George AFB, CA in 1959-1961. Deployed to Moron AB, Spain in the F-104C.
Edward T. Rock Colonel USAF (Ret.)
Order Of Starfighters # 594

Walter flew the F-104G at Kleine Brogel (10th Wing) with both 23 and 31 squadron from 1981 till 1983. It total he flew 385 hours on the Starfighter.

Hans Ruijgrok flew the F-104 Starfighter with 311 squadron at Volkel Air Base from 1974 till 1979.

(Col. active). After he graduated on the F-104 at 20 Gruppo at Grosseto in April 1983, Roberto “Bob” flew the F/RF-104Gs in the ItaAF from 1983 thru 1986 and from 1989 thru 1992, logging 1005 hours as a recce/FBA pilot. My home base was the 3 Wing (3 Stormo) Villafranca (Verona), both in 28th and 132nd Sqn. He designed and painted the “F-104G 3-32 MM6545 “50.000 Ore 28 Gruppo” special marks 1992″.
Same as for the Strega Special colors, He had the honor to be the artist team leader painting this “Spillone” (big Spike). The template was designed and proposed by Alenia, the 28th Sqn team provided to realize it in Nov/Dec 1989, as a fliyng testimonial at the Squadron Reunion. By mid december Roberto had the chance to fly its very last sortie, before the aircraft was declared “LIC” (Structural Frame Lifetime expired). Roberto stated that back in 1983 the pilots in Italy were not listed by the Lockheed company (Order of Starfighters) but Robert did receive a 1000 hours Omega watch with golden patch by Alenia.

Howard E. Sargent Jr. flew the F104C/D Starfighter versions in 1965 and 1966 and was stationed with the 479th TFW at Da Nang in 1965 and lateron in 1966 also at Udorn during the second F-104 deployment tour in SEA. Sadly he passed away in 2002.

Andrea joined the Italian Air Force in january 1988 and after graduating as military pilot he went to Grosseto AFB for his conversion on the F-104.
Assigned to the 21st “Tiger” Sqn of 53rd Wing Cameri AFB he flew almost 1000 hours on F-104S and F-104S/ASA in the Air Defense role before converting on Tornado F3.
He left the Air Force in 1998 and since then flying as a commercial pilot (B767).
My nick name is “Scaltro” and I still love to participate at Tiger Meets as Senior Tiger.

Volker was at the UPT at Shepard from April 1967 to May 1968 (T-37 and T-38), then F-104-Training at Luke from May 1968 to December 1968, Then as Fighter-Bomber-Pilot at Memmingen (1st/JaboG 34), Germany from January 1969 to June 1972, After that he became Instructor pilot at Jever, Germany until September 1974. In November 1974 he joined Swissair and flew as Copilot and Captain DC-9, DC-10, MD-81 and MD-11 and retired in October 2001.

The moment Roy Schouten achieved 500 hours in jets, a requirement in the 70’s, he opted for the F-104. From the 16th of June till the 5th of July ’72 he got the basic conversion at the TCA at Leeuwarden AB. From the 24th of July till the 25th of October ’72 he got his all weather fighter bomber training at CAV Volkel AB. From the 1st of November till the 3rd of December 1979 he flew with 312sq Volkel AB. At thay time he was one of the youngest operational F-104 pilots in the Dutch Air Force. He has been the squadron electronic warfare officer and participated in the ECM equipment modification program. When he left the KLu for the KLM (captain) on the 3rd of December, he had flown a total of 1418 hours on the F-104.

Dave flew the Zipper at Luke AFB, between 1970 and 1973, then out of the NATO Training Division (DOON) 1973 till 1976, and finally as the commander of the NATO Training Division from 1979 till 1983. He had a great time with the 104.
After Luke he went to Europe and flew F-104’s on regular training visits to 6 countries as a part of the NATO Standardization Team for strike wings (the “DOON Team”) for three years. After a non-104 States side tour, he returned to 104’s again, as the commander of the DOON Team. In that job, he also augmented the ATAF’s Tac-Eval teams at 104 bases, as one of the only inspectors able to fly chase in the single seaters (and some dual seat work too, of course). He also flew some 104s at Volkel Airbase, among many other places, with the “DOON Team” (nuc. stand-eval) and then usually with the NATO Tac-Evals, also. He is LtCol retired.

James “Jim” R. Smith flew the F-104A and B version with 538FiS and lateron 83 FIS between 1958 and 1962, The photo shows him as pilot of 538th FiS.
Order Of Starfighters # 528

Elias Sofianos was flight instructor in Araxos Air Force Base 335 “Tiger” squadron within the Hellenic Air Force. He flew the F/TF 104G from 1980 to 1990 and logged 1750 hours. With an Aviation experience of total 23.000 accident free hours in airplanes and helicopters he runs today his own Aviation company “Superior Air” in Athens Greece.

His first flight in the F-104 was 21 July 1958. He flew the F-104 from 1958-1960 with 538th FIS Sq. (ADC), Larson, AFB, Moses Lake, WA, from 1962 till 1964 and from 1966 till 1970 with 319th FIS Sq. (ADC) Homestead AFB, FL, then from 1970 till 1971 – FIS Sq. (RJAF), H-2 Airbase, Amman, Jordan (Air Attache & maintenance advisor for the Jordanian F104, A & B. (Total F-104 time – 1,314 hours). He is Col. retired.
Order Of Starfighters # 255

James Jim O. Swanson also nicknamed “Swanee”, flew the F-104C with 435TFS at George Air Force Base from 1958 to 1962. He also participated in a deployment to Moron AB, Spain for air defense alert and in the initial F-104 deployment to Ramstein AB, Germany to stand alert in the Berlin Wall crisis.
Order Of Starfighters # 514

Bob Sweetwood soloed in November 1958 with the 434th Tactical Fighter Squadron. He flew them for eight months before being sent overseas and was not happy with the mission they were assigned. To him it was not what the 104 was designed for. After a five year period of both flying in the US and the Philippines he was able to find his way back into the 104 with the 319FIS in late 1964. This was a squadron sent to Homestead Florida during the Cuban crises and was to be the protector of the SE. It seems they never had day go by that they didn’t live scramble on some errant a/c or someone testing the ADIZ. He alsol flew on the team that was sent to William Tell competition in late 1965 and received a trophy for a record for hitting 14 towed darts in a row. He also had the opportunity to test tactics against Migs in Nevada. Bob wrote and taught tactics for F-106s and would take a flight of F-104s to Panama City where they would meet for a week of training. It was a good time. The 319FIS closed in December 1969 and he was assigned to an F-106 squadron and in January 1970 I transitioned. Overall he had the opportunity to fly F-86s, F-100rd Cs,and Ds and Fs, all models of of the 104s, A-1s and F-5s. The 104 was his favorite with reaching a little over 1000s hours on it.

F-104 experience: From 1979-1982 Luke AFB 69TFTS (F104G) and from 1982-1985 NATO DOON F104G/S/MAP. Ike flew also Starfighters with the Dutch Air Force at Volkel in the Early ’80’s as a NATO Nuclear Weapons flightcheck evaluation pilot. (DOON Team) Later on Ike Sweesy came to Rimini AB from the 5th ATAF in Vicenza to qualify the 102° Sqn. younger pilots for the NATO Combat Readiness standards. Ike has a website regarding fighter pilots. It can be found at: www.fighterpilots.net

Started flying the F-104C in 1966 at George AFB and lateron in SEA (Udorn AFB). Then flew the G models at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona until 1973.

Dimitris was F-104G pilot in Polemikh Aeroporia ( Hellenic Air Force), from around September 1972 till March 1980, within 116 CW at Araxos air base, Totally he has logged 1283 hours on the F/TF-104G Starfighter. He was also weapons officer, and a bomb commander. Currently he acts as a civil pilot.

Gerasimos Tzouros flew from 1976 to 1988 with 335 Mira at Araxos Air Base with 116 Wing, He retired as Lt Col. After the Air Force he flew PZL aircraft to help fighting fires at remote islands until in the 60s years old. Some will remember him because of the fact that once he had an incident were during a bird hit a hawk flew through his canopy. With all that mess he was able to land the aircraft safely again.

1st Lt. Haldun Üresin (Class 1975-H-119) flew the F-104G with 141 squadron from 1979 till 1981. In total he flew 317 hours. He also flew F-100 (1850 hours). Haldun left the Turkish Air Force in 1987. Then he started his next career as airline pilot. In total he flew 28755 hours with airbus 320/321, Boeing 727/738, MD 83/88/90 and Airbus A 300B4. Finally he flew as a examiner and SFI airbus 321 pilot. He retired in 2022.

John Valade flew the CF-104 Starfighter with the RCAF with 421 “Red Indian” Squadron in Baden-Soellingen from 1979 until 1986.

Bud flew the 104 from 1962 till 1966 as instructor at Cold Lake, Alberta and member of 444 Sqn.at Baden Soellingen, Germany. Besides regular squadron duties he was appointed Wing Maintenance Test Pilot (WMTP).On one such test flight, on 22 October 1963, Bud was forced to eject from tail number 876. It was a smooth ride, and no one was injured on the ground. Bud left the RCAF in 1966 to begin a career in civilian flying. and checked out in Boeing 737, 727, 747. Bud retired in 1989 after 40 years of flying and 24000 hours with the wheels up.

Mauro was F-104 pilot within the Italian Air Force from 1979 till 1988. First from 1979 till 1983 in recce-Squadron 132 Gruppo at Villafranca and from 1984 till 1988 in Air Defence Squadron 12 Gruppo at Cameri.

Mike Vivian started flying the F-104 in 1960 with the Arizona ANG in. He accompanied the 197th F.I.S to Ramstein AB Germany in late ’61 and returned to Phoenix in ’62 and requested to be re-assigned to George AFB and the F-104C in Victorville Ca. In early ’63 Mike joined the 476th T.F.S. Mike’s duty in Vietnam was with the VNAF, flying their A1-H Skraiders. Upon his return from Vietnam in 1966 and was assigned to Luke AFB, and into the German Training program flying the F-104G. After completing Language Training in 1969. Mike flew the G model in various assignments in Germany, including DOON and being an exchange pilot with JaboG 34 in Memmingen. Upon his return from Korea, Mike again was returned to Luke AFB and the German F-104G program until his retirement in 1982. Mike flew F-104 A,B,C, D, F, TF, and the G model. Total F104 time 2815 hours.

Nicknamed “Glider” his first 104 flight was made on 11 May 1979 during his CF-5 conversion at Cold Lake, Canada. After the NF-5 Henk got converted to the F-104G with CAV at Volkel Air Base from June 1980 till March 1981. From March 1981 till December 1983 he was operational on the RF-104G (Orpheus version) with 306 squadron. His last F-104 flight was on 23 November 1984 when he flew TF-104G D-5804 from Volkel to Ypenburg (storage) together with pilot Peter Leenen. Order Of Starfighters # 6393

Rick Wall served in the Canadian Air Force and flew the CF-104 with 441 Squadron in Germany and 417 Squadron at Cold Lake, Alberta. Surpassed 2000 Starfighter hours. He ejected successfully from CF104D 104651 in 1980 after a bird strike. The enclosed photo was taken upon return to Baden Soellingen after the 1978 Tactical Air Meet. The German Air Force jacket had been a “gift” from a fellow TAM participant.

Fred was primarily associated with the F-104 at the USAF Aerospace Research Pilot School and later the Test Pilot School. He flew the C,D and NF-104. For several years he was also the primary instructor in the D model that was modified with a side stick control. Also he was instructor in the high and low L/D and X-15 approaches. He flew the C model to 93,000ft and the NF-104 to 106,000ft. Order Of Starfighters # 4445

After a 3 year tour in F-100’s at Chaumont France and Lakenheath, England George was assigned to the 476th Squadron in the 479th Wing at George AFB, California. He accumulated close to 1000 hours in the zipper (F-104C). He participated in a Berlin corridor flare up, the Cuban Missile Crisis and a tour in Vietnam. George has written an autobiography that includes, among other things, his stint in the F-104. He feels it gives a pretty good re-cap of what they were doing with the F-104 during that time.
George does not recall getting a machbuster number. He can however assure all of us that he not only broke the mach, he has been out to mach-2 many many times.

Hans “sundance” van der Werf flew the (T)F-104G from 1969 till 1980 within the Royal Netherlands Air Force, with a total of 2400 hrs. Mostly at the 312 SQN at Volkel, later as instructor with the CAV (Conversion and Alweather Flight) also at Volkel. Hans was the official F-104 demonstration pilot from 1974 till 1980 with participation in over 120 airshows.

Gerhard received Air Force flight training from August 1970 till Sept 1972. Flew NF-5 at 316 Squadron, before transfer to the F-104 at Leeuwarden Airbase. 1st flight F-104 (TCA) on 16-07-1974, 1st flight F-104 (322sq) on 04-12-1974, last flight F-104 (322sq) on 13-09-1978. Total F-104 hours: 715 via 900 sorties. Total military hours: 1300. Later to Civil Aviation, Commercial hours 14.000 (12.000 on B-747), General aviation hours: 500, Grand total hours: 15.800, retired in 2005. Major Air Force event: 11 June, 1977. Participating in the operation of liberating hijacked train passengers at “The Punt” in the Netherlands in one of the six F-104’s.

After flying the F-86K for one year Ragnar flew the the F-104G Starfighter with the 331 AWX Squadron at Bodo AFB from 16th May 1967 till 15th December 1971. Then he retired and joined SAS Braathens as a civil pilot.
Order Of Starfighters # 3565

Nicknamed “Birdie” he flew F-104G with 306 squadron, Volkel Air Base. He started his Air Force career in August 1977 and retired in March 1988 to join the KLM. Robert-Jan flew the F-104 between August 1980 till September 1983. His first 104 flight was on September 16th, 1980 inside TF-104G D-5806 (Conversie All-weather Vlucht) together with instructor Harry “Hopper” van Duren. His Mach2 run was on October 8th, 1980 inside TF-104G D-5817 (CAV) with Ron van Broekhoven. On October 10th, Robert-Jan made its first solo inside D-6680 and was assigned to fly with 306 recce squadron. On December 1st, 1981 Robert-Jan landed a burning F-104G D-8133 at Jever. Gladly Robert-Jan survived the accident. His last 104 flight was in D-8103 in Autumn 1983. In total Robert-Jan flew 580.3 hours in the F-104 before he was transferred to the F-16 fighter aircraft.

Jock flew the CF104 from 1971-1975 with the RCAF/Canadian Forces. He was a proud member of 439 Squadron.

Tommy entered the Air Force at the age of 19 in 1954. He graduated as 2nd Lt in 1955. He completed Gunnery Training in Texas in the T-33, and moved to Luke AFB, AZ in the F-84G. He became an Instructor Pilot at Luke for the next 5 yrs flying the T-33, F-84F, F-86F/G. Then 1st Lt Wilson served from 18 Nov 1960 to 22 Nov 1961 at Dhaharn, Saudi Arabia as a F-86 Fighter Pilot Instructor with the USAF Tng Gp, Det 5, 1172nd F/M Sq. Returning to Luke AFB as a Captain (1961) he became an instructor in the F-104G. From 5 Nov 1966 to 8 July 1967 Capt Wilson was in SEA with the 435th Tac Ftr Sq. where he earned the DFC. (Distinguished Flying Cross) He returned from SEA as a Major. From Aug 1967 to Apr 1969 Major Wilson held several different Instructor Pilot, Flight Commander, Squadron Flight Commander positions at Vance AFB, OK with the 3575th Plt Tng Sq. In the T-38. From 1972 to 1974, Major Wilson served as the Commander of Recruiting Detachment 610, in San Bernardino, CA exiting military service in 1974.

Col. Donald K. Wolf, USAF (ret.) flew the F-104C from October 1958 to November 1960 with the 434th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 479th Tactical Fighter Wing, at George AFB, California. His time flying the Starfighter included a zoom flight wearing a pressure suit to about 70,000’, and a five-month deployment to Moron AB Spain where he sat alert as air defense for the B-47s also stationed there. While at Moron, Don’s aircraft had a compressor stall shortly after takeoff. Though only about 100 feet above the runway, he was able to restart the engine and continue flying. Don thoroughly enjoyed his two years flying the Starfighter.
Don also flew the F-100 with the 434th (1957-58), as well as the F-101C with the 92nd TFS at RAF Bentwaters, England (1960-63), and the F-4C with the 555th TFS, MacDill AFB, Florida (1964-66). Don’s time with the 555th included two deployments to Okinawa as well as a SE Asia combat tour out of Udorn and Ubon air bases, Thailand (Feb-Aug 1966). Don continued flying the F-4C with the 43rd TFC, MacDill AFB, Florida (1966-68). Don retired in 1977 after serving twenty-two years in the USAF.

Harv flew the CF-104 with the Canadian Air Force from 1972 to 1983. He was with 421 Tactical Fighter Squadron in Baden-Soellingen and 417 Operational Training Squadron in Cold Lake Alberta. In total 1866 hours were flown.

Jim was an F-104A pilot with the Tennessee Air National Guard, Knoxville 1960 – 1962. USAF rank, Captain, Order of Starfighters number758. Based at Ramstein AB, Germany November 1961 – July 1962 during “Berlin Crisis” recall. Prior to the Air Guard he was a USAF T-33 Jet basic flight instructor at Laredo AFB.
Following that he flew the F-86L on active duty and with the Tennessee Air National Guard. Early 1960 they received F-104’s from James Jabara’s 337th FIS Westover AFB. Jim chose aircraft 56-813 because It was the first A model he flew during checkout.
That aircraft previously had been Jabara’s. It was lost in 1962 in a mid-air collision with 56-848. on short final approach to Ramstein AB, Germany sadly killing both pilots. In 1964 he joined Pan Am as a pilot and from 1985 Pan Am became United Airlines. Jim retired the United Airlines in 1993.

Nicknamed “junkyard” he flew the Zipper from 1961 – 1971. First at George AFB, then taught weapons to seven NATO countries with 104’s, and spent 4 years at Luke AFB doing test flights for the German training program there.

(Lt. Col, USAF Ret) Jack flew the F-104 A/B from 1966 to 1970 with the 331st FIS, Webb AFB, Texas (1966-1967) and 319th FIS, Homestead AFB, FL (1968-1970). He had 800+ hours in the F-104 and was a designated Instructor Pilot for the Royal Jordanian Air Force when the US Government sold Jordan a squadron of F-104’s.
Order Of Starfighters # 3149

Giacinto Zito flew with the Italian Air Force from January 15th, 1974 till December 31st. 1979.
In that period he flew on: P148, Mb326A, Mb326E, G91T, T33, RT33, S.208, TF104G and F-104S.
Giacinto flew F104S with the 36°tn WING 156°nd (Gruppo) Squadron at Gioia Del Colle AB.